Anaheim, Calif. — Jeff Zeglin of Zeglin’s Home TV & Appliances has been elected chairman of BrandSource, the CE, majap and home-furnishings buying group for independent dealers.

Zeglin, who has operated stores in Moline, Ill., and Davenport, Iowa, for 37 years, has held various positions on BrandSource’s board since 1990. In his new role, he said his priorities will be moving the group forward as it harnesses new technologies, spearheads competitive financing programs and expands its Expert Warehouse operation to better serve members in all regions.

“I firmly believe that buying groups are the salvation of the independent dealer,” Zeglin said.

In other news, contest winner Axel Gormsen, owner of San Diego-based Gormsen’s Maytag, received a free showroom makeover last month in a BrandSource drawing. The remodel, which was completed in 36 hours, included removing old carpeting and installing new Pergo flooring, applying two-tone paint to the walls, installing new hallway frames, improving the look of the sales and parts window, dressing up the electrical system, installing sconces to the front display window and placing plants and warm details throughout the store.

Gormsen's before the makeover.

Gormsen conceded that the store was in dire need of remodeling, and store manager Heath Gormsen said the makeover has re-energized the business and motivated the family to tackle a long list of goals.

BrandSource’s majap executive VP John White said the group’s goal with the redesign “was to create an atmosphere that’s more like someone’s home with an appealing layout, color scheme, and a general look that is welcoming and aesthetically pleasing” to women, who make up more than 85 percent of purchasing decisions.